Big Leaguers Notebook: May 17

Burke Badenhop gets the 'W' and game-winning RBI

 Marlins reliever Burke Badenhop not only pitched a scoreless 10th inning but also delivered a two-out single to drive in the winning run in the 11th inning (MLB.com). The unlikely hero received a little help from his teammates, wearing a batting helmet belonging to Brian Sanches and borrowing a Josh Johnson bat for his first at-bat of the season. (MLB.com). In other clutch performances, Adrian Gonzalez doubled for a Red Sox walk-off win (MLB.com), and Colby Lewis of the Rangers threw a five-hit gem for his first career complete game. (MLB.com)

 Who pulled off the better heist? Johnny Cueto's pick-pocket job on the mound (MLB.com) or Carlos Gomez's robbery at the wall? (MLB.com)

 In keeping with his tradition of honoring military veterans injured during their service in Iraq and Afghanistan, Justin Verlander announced the launch of Verlander's Victory for Veterans (MLB.com). Through the program, the Tigers ace will continue to welcome local veterans from Detroit's John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System to enjoy a game with their families in his personal suite at Comerica Park. "Why not, just to say my appreciation and my thank you," said Verlander, whose grandfather, Richard, is a WWII veteran and cousin, Christopher, is currently deployed in Afghanistan. "For [Justin] to be able to bring us all to the ballpark and in awesome seats, it's a real treat," said Sgt. Joshua Sparling, who was at Comerica Park for the announcement. "I knew he was really dominant on the mound and a really good pitcher. It's nice to know that his heart's just as big." (MLB.com)

 Nick Swisher (@NickSwisher), Logan Morrison (@LoMoMarlins), Brandon Phillips (@DatDudeBP) and Brian Wilson (@BrianWilson38) are among the Major Leagues' most valuable Tweeters, combining for nearly 1.2 million followers. "It's a lot of fun, just interacting with your fans," says Phillips. "I'm just keeping it real and being myself." (USA Today)

 In just one year, Jerry Sands has gone from Class A prospect and Smithfield-Selma High School substitute teacher to patrolling left field for the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Los Angeles Times)

 Jeremy Guthrie gave his fans a behind-the-scenes look at the Orioles' spread of Latin food (Twitter) and his Camden Yards locker
(Twitter). Zach Britton took in the view from the top of Fenway Park's Green Monster (Baltimore Sun), and Curtis Granderson gave away Yankee Stadium tickets to some of his biggest fans. (Twitter)

 Congratulations to Cardinals pitcher Kyle McClellan and his wife, Bridget, on the birth of their first child, daughter Olivia Grace. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Tweet of the Day: "My Top 5: I'll take Doc Halladay, @JLester31, King Felix, @DavidPrice14, & The Freak [Tim Lincecum]! With these guys I can put Little Leaguers in field!" -- Jeremy Guthrie (@JGuthrie46), after asking the Twitterati which five baseball players they would choose to start a team. (Twitter)

Quote of the Day: "I had an [illegible] doctor's signature. I had a 'T' and an 'I' and a dot-dot. He said, 'What the hell is this? If you play the game this long, make sure people know who you are.' Harmon was a tremendous player, but is an even greater man." -- Torii Hunter, recalling advice from his mentor, Twins legend and Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew. Killebrew passed away on Tuesday at the age of 74. (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.